Aodes might be a new name to the UK, but the Chinese brand has been building ATVs and UTVs for more than 30 years.

It’s an established player in many other western markets and has a research and development division in California, USA.

Staffordshire importer Boss ORV is responsible for bringing the vehicles to these shores, alongside electric ATV marque Powerland.

Farmers Weekly’s James Andrew’s puts the manufacturer’s newcomer, the Aodes WorkCross 650, through its paces.

See also: On test: Battery-powered Polaris Ranger XP Kinetic

Aodes WorkCross 650

You’re wrong, the vehicle pictured above isn’t a Polaris Ranger… but it does look jolly like one.

It is in fact an Aodes (pronounced “odas”) WorkCross 650, another product of the People’s Republic.

And, as the name suggests, power for this newcomer is provided by a 650cc V-twin petrol, rather than pokier 1,000cc engines used by many makers of vehicles this size.

While some of those can be a little too lairy, the 650’s 52hp and 57Nm is just about right – enough oomph for it to barrel along at a decent speed, and tow a heavy trailer, without the risk of spirited driving sending it pirouetting into the undergrowth.

Our model was T1b homologated, so limited to 60kph (37mph), but unrestricted versions would get up to 100kph (62mph).

If this is too meek for your liking, Aodes offers a similar model with a larger 976cc block that’s good for 71hp and 85Nm.

As for the transmission, it’s the tried-and-tested setup of a belt-type CVT with two ranges.

There’s also a switchable rear differential with an open mode to prevent scuffing when turning – not that the steering lock allows it to loop particularly tightly.

Gear shifts are performed by a simple lever on the dash which, though not as clearly marked as some, is well positioned and smooth to use.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Less impressive is the electric park brake, which can be slow to latch on and beeps incessantly if not engaged when hopping off the seat, even when the transmission is in park.

What’s the cab like?

There are fancier cabins out there, but Aodes has pitched the WorkCross’s interior at just the right level for a working vehicle.

Most of the controls are simple and rugged, the door windows have manual winders and the windscreen pops open to let fresh air in – though it could do with a catch to hold it ajar, rather than it always swinging through 90deg.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

In addition, there’s an effective ventilation system with dash vents and a proper heater, plenty of cup holders and storage, plus cut-outs for a radio and speakers.

Fit and finish is acceptable too, particularly for the price, although the door latches could do with some work.

Not only are the handles a bit awkward to use, but the catches occasionally release when bumping over rough ground, causing the doors to pop open – though an update has apparently rectified this.

All Aodes had fitted to prevent the doors swinging right back, on our test model at least, were some flimsy rubber straps.

Unsurprisingly, they’re not up to the task, so it’s all too easy for the hinges to get tweaked. 

Sealing against moisture and sound is impressive for the price, although there will undoubtedly be more noise to contend with on models that don’t have a restricted top speed.

Is it a workhorse?

All the credentials are there to make the Aodes a dependable work ally; it just needs time to prove if it can stand up to the rigours of UK livestock farming and gamekeeping.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

The size of the tipping rear load bed is nothing to write home about – about the same as a Polaris Ranger, funnily enough – but it can carry a respectable 454kg of cargo and has a smattering of lash down points for stashing cargo.

Handles for the tipping mechanism are well protected too, so they don’t get covered in crud from the back wheels, unlike some others.

Official towing capacity with a braked trailer is on the low side, at 600kg, but it generally takes the task of dragging heavy loads in its stride.

Descending steep slopes is a different story as the transmission offers precious little engine braking.

This means drivers have to cover the foot brake and watch out for locking up the wheels.

© MAG/Oliver Mark

Other handy bits of kit include a front winch, which seems to be a given these days, and a large removable storage box that slots under the passenger seat.

This can be used for tools, medicines and the like and, if removed, creates a handy space for storing larger cargo.